EliteCommander

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek found himself watching the meal Onyx was preparing more and more eagerly the closer it came to being finished. He had never been so hungry in his life as he had been for the past few days, and it certainly showed in the way his mouth watered looking at the stew. Nevertheless, he was able to stay focused enough to respond. "That is sensible. The heat of the desert is quite prohibitive to some of its creatures. Although, the colder nights can be just as hostile for us. Usually, for the non-scaled races, their bodies make heat on their own which allows them to stay active in the night, but the same is not true for us. When it is cold, our bodies become cold, so we must rely on the world around us for heat. Many of our customs relate to that need, though I suppose you would have little reason to adopt them. Well, actually, if the night became particularly cold, you might benefit from our knowledge of how to stay warm."

Pausing for a moment, Tarentek thought on what customs from Amman had originated from elsewhere. There were many to pick from, though that also meant it was more difficult to remember specifically from where they originated. "A lot of our practices were influenced by other settlements, partially or completely. The robes we wear outside have shifted in style to better keep out the wind, and are made from better materials like cotton, instead of hide. Earlier in our history, we bartered for goods and services, but from Jerusalem, we adopted their system of using coins for transactions. Their coins were fully accepted in our city, just as ours are in theirs. Some settlements sacrifice livestock to their gods, and while we have no need of that particular practice, we did learn that they tended to have surprisingly effective methods of breeding healthy animals, since many of those sacrifices require perfect animals. As for adopted practices that caused problems...oh, I can think of one. We adopted Tel Aviv's nesting habits. Our eggs have to be protected both from threats, and the cold for about three months before they hatch, which is quite similar to the Yaar, the race which controls Tel Aviv. They used a method of nest building that was surprisingly rigid and kept the eggs at the perfect temperature, which we of course adopted. The issue came with the fact that the shapes their nests form is an important symbol in their religion. Each nest becomes a sort of altar to their fertility god, so they took offense to the fact that our nests were not dedicated to their god. However, those nests allowed more eggs to survive, which meant that if we stopped using them, more of our children would die. That was something we were not willing to do."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek smiled as he leaned forward, resting his arms on the table in front of him. "Well then, perhaps I should start with our food? There are some simpler, traditional dishes that go back to our city's founding, but in my opinion, the most interesting ones are those created more recently. The more trade we had with other cities, the more ingredients we could access from more places. My favorite dish involves ground meat, usually from our livestock, but you can usually substitute whatever kind of animal is on hand. Most will still taste fine. From there you mix in a selection of vegetables. Peas and carrots work well, or anything with a similar kind of taste. Lastly, it is all covered in your choice of cheese, also from our livestock, and placed inside of a sort of bowl made from a kind of layered bread. I wish I had some of these ingredients with me so I could show you myself how it is made. Some of it, especially the bread, I cannot really describe too well with words if you're not already familiar with it. Although, I might be able to take a look at the ingredients you have available and write down some recipes I know how to make from them." He suggested.

When thinking about all of the foods he had tried back in Amman, he realized that many were made from ingredients that Onyx's people might not have access to, though that did lead him into his next point of interest about the city. "Really, many parts our city were like that. Connected through trade, I mean, and not just of goods. Ideas were a commodity as valuable as gold to my people. They could be valued in much the same way as crops, metals, or anything you might sell in a marketplace. Of course, some ideas were bad ideas and ended up being worthless, but good ideas were well-rewarded. People from other places were sometimes surprised to see that we try to apply customs from other places to our own lives to see if they improved them. Evidently, some other settlements place great value on traditions and are reluctant to change them, but for us, I suppose you might say that finding new ideas is our tradition. As I explained yesterday, knowledge and learning are central to our beliefs. Some cities and villages took offense to us using their customs, and I did hear some arguments from them that made sense to me about why they did not like it, but to refuse ideas that improved our lives would have been against our beliefs."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek nodded to Onyx, eager to have pretty much anything as a meal. "I would likely be glad to have almost anything you could make, but yes, fish sounds wonderful at the moment. As for where we can go, you would know better than I where is a good place to begin, but the market does seem appealing. In Amman, at least, all parts of society converged in our marketplace, even those from outside the city."

After a few more drinks, Tarentek finished off the remaining water in his canteen. He would need to remember to have it refilled before they left, and hopefully, he would be able to be more conservative with it for the remainder of the day. He had been able to drink quite a lot since he arrived, so he was actually to the point of no longer feeling especially thirsty. His hunger, however, was quite acute, especially with the scents of the ingredients Onyx was using being thick in the air. "Honestly, I believe the thing I am most excited to learn about you at this moment is your recipes. Food can be a wonderfully unifying thing, even across widely different cultures. Different cities prepare foods in many different, and sometimes delicious ways that you might not have thought to try. If nothing else, your people might appreciate some of the recipes I can give them." He said with a chuckle. "Anyway, while you are cooking, I might as well go ahead and tell you more about Amman. If you can think of any specific questions, I would be happy to answer. Otherwise, I can just tell you about whatever comes to mind." He offered.

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

"That...is a difficult question, honestly." Tarentek responded just as the pair reached Onyx's den and stepped inside. He found a seat as soon as possible before continuing. "I mean, I feel like I don't know what I don't know, if that makes sense. That is, I don't really know what I need to learn. Back in Amman, I realized even just talking to traders that the customs of different places could be greatly different. For instance, in a small settlement outside Tel Aviv, it is a great insult not to wear shoes around their altars. Something to do with their religion, I believe. My people have thick scales and do not need shoes, so as you can see, we very rarely wear anything on our feet, unless there is a specific, practical need. If I were to go to their village, the thought to cover my feet would not even cross my mind. I wonder if there are similar differences between our people?"

Just as Tarentek did not know what to ask, he supposed Onyx would also not know what answers to give, since she also had no knowledge of Amman's culture. Still, there were certainly other ways he could learn about her people. "Perhaps, after I eat, you could simply show me around the village and tell me whatever comes to mind that you think I might need to know? Simply experiencing life in your village might help me to learn. Alternatively, I could just start telling you about my life in Amman, and you can point out anything you find strange, or similar to your own people."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

"I...understand your fear." Tarentek responded, his tone becoming considerably more serious. I know what trauma can do; it can destroy parts of your mind and make you feel things you know you logically shouldn't. I have had...recent experience with such horror, but even before that, I have seen its effects in others. War is rarely kind to its soldiers, and I have known warriors who have survived wounds that make them wish they had died. I suppose a disadvantage of my race's robust nature is how gruesome of experiences we can survive. Our bodies heal much more readily than our minds. I know trauma is very difficult to overcome, though not impossible. I have seen recoveries in the past, people who overcome their fears. I still believe you would benefit from trying to learn to swim, not only from the practical application of the skill, but from overcoming a wound of your mind. I believe it is best to plan for the worst possible scenario; in your case, falling into the water when no others are around. After all, when you found me, you were alone, and from the way your father reacted to your departure, I am assuming that is not too rare. Regardless, I cannot and would not force you to learn, but the offer remains open, should you ever decide to accept."

Tarentek guessed that Onyx would not wish to remain on such a sore topic for too long, so he decided to move on, allowing his tone to become more lighthearted. "Well, at any rate, I am sure there is something else I can do, aside from saving the lives of your entire village. I cannot do anything too strenuous until I recover, but I would like to learn more about you all. I still feel like I know so little."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek supposed he should not have been surprised about even Onyx's distrust. There was a reason that he had scarcely even heard of her people prior to meeting her, and that was not easily overcome. At the very least, she did have some good things to say about him, which was more than she could say about most anyone else she had met in this place, but he did hope that he could at least fully gain her trust at some point.

Tarentek gave a slight grin upon Onyx's mention of the events at the sea. "Now, can you truly blame me for that...incident? As I recall, you had done the very same thing to me only minutes before, did you not? I would say that would be fair...although, I suppose such rules only really apply among friends. Harmless pranks were not that uncommon among my friends in Amman. As long as no one went too far, simple jokes like that could be amusing. I suppose it was not too appropriate in the situation at the sea, but also keep in mind that I had been dehydrated and starved for days on end by that point; rational and reasonable thought was...not exactly my strongsuit at that moment. For what it is worth, I apologize."

After a brief pause, another thought crossed Tarentek's mind, which prompted a question. "You say that you do not like water. From what I saw at the sea, you seemed quite afraid after I pushed you in. I assume you cannot swim, correct? Is that common among your race? I suppose there is not much water in the area, and it does prevent you from flying, but I would still call swimming a useful skill regardless. It was rare that I had the opportunity, but when I could, it was a great pleasure to swim in the nearest river to Amman. Without that ability, you would drown if you fell into a deep section of water. Perhaps I could make it up to you by teaching you that skill? If your people have to retreat to the isthmus connecting this region to Africa, the continent to the southwest, then it is not farfetched that we may have to fight near the water. Knowing how to swim could be lifesaving." Tarentek offered.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

After a day of being unable to eat, Meesei was quite glad to be able to prepare herself and Sabine a quick dinner, even as she was thinking about how to conduct her questioning. She needed to be careful in how she worded her questions to both Vera and Harriet, as she did not want to reveal that she had an actual suspect, which might influence their responses. There was only so much reliable information she could get from questioning them, but it still might give her leads she could follow.

Rhazii would likely need to be fed again soon, but for the moment, Meesei focused on finishing off her meal as quickly as possible. "I know you prefer cooked meat Sabine, but I hope you do not mind eating raw today. I do not have the time to cook, unfortunately." She commented before moving on to Sabine's question. "What are tips? I am still not completely familiar with all of the cities' customs, but I...think they are something you give to someone who performs a service if you believe their work was of good quality, usually a small amount of gold. I seem to remember making a mistake along those lines a few years ago when I started offering advice to a woman who served our drinks in a tavern. In any case, I believe Ahnasha was making a joke."

Ahnasha returned Vera's smile and wave, though from her overall demeanor, it was clear she was in something of a hurry. "Ah, Vera, I was just looking for you. It is good to see you as well, though I'm afraid I'm in sort of a rush." She began, her voice becoming quieter as she walked closer. "I left the food up in our pack's room, if you would like some dinner. Meesei is waiting there as well; she said she wants to speak with you." Ahnasha explained briefly. She expected she would have to do quite a lot of walking to find all of the lieutenants, but luckily, she had already eaten her dinner while she was in Bruma. "Also, do you happen to know where I might find the other lieutenants? Meesei wanted me to give them a message."

Ashes [EliteCommander and Vesuvius00]

Tarentek could not think of any more to add beyond the suggestions he had already made, so he left with Onyx when requested. Now, he had a mission on the horizon after he recovered, which, as long as he kept up a good diet, would not take terribly long. Perhaps a week or two at most. Likely, he would recover from his dehydration first, as he had been able to get plenty of water since arriving in the village. In fact, now that he was out of the meeting, he resumed drinking from his canteen.

"I could certainly use a meal, thank you." Tarentek responded. "I do not know if I could bring myself to sleep for the moment, but a good diet is all I really need to recover. In perhaps a week's time, these scars will be gone, my muscles will no longer be sore and weak, and I will be ready for the mission your father has given me."

After pausing for another drink, Tarentek took on a concerned expression. "As for your brother, well...I do not think I expected trust. You were certainly not lying when you said your people do not trust outsiders; honestly, I'm surprised your father has been as accepting as he has. I am grateful he has, of course, as it may end up saving your people. I do wish I could gain Opal's trust, along with the rest of your people, really. If your father is giving me tasks, then I assume I am going to be with you all for the foreseeable future. Do you think there is anything I could do that might gain your people's confidence? I do not really know what traits or actions your people respect, or dislike, for that matter."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei knew exactly what it was she needed to do. All of the information she had finally pointed her to a suspect, though she still needed much more to actually make an accusation. Based on Vera's testimony, Harriet was the one who had the opportunity to poison Jerrick, as she had been alone in the meeting room with his waterskin. However, Meesei could not make a judgement based only on a lieutenant's testimony. If Vera was the traitor, she would have plenty of motive to lie. Regardless, Meesei intended to question the lieutenants once more, and hopefully gather more forms of evidence. For the moment, she still needed to keep up appearances, so she made sure her tone was curious, and even somewhat upbeat.

"Hmm, I believe we should take it back to our room, and perhaps take some notes on it. Perhaps you might be able to learn more about it, now that you can clearly see the effects of the poison? Come, I am sure Leaps is missing us." Meesei said, waiting a few moments for Sabine to seal up the flask and bring it with her out of the scholars' loft. Once they were in the halls and Meesei checked to make sure they were alone, she spoke up in a hushed tone. "I would recommend you try to learn more from the poison if you can, but if there is nothing more to learn, do not worry. I have the information I need. Just make sure the timing we determined is accurate, though that is why we stayed close the entire time. I am sure you would have been able to notice if something went wrong. If Ahnasha has returned, then we can have our dinner, but after that, I am going to return to my investigation. If we are fortunate, I may be able to end this tonight."

Most of the clan was starting to head for dinner, so it took slightly longer to get through the halls, but once they were past the main hall, they were able to make it quickly back to their room. Much to Meesei's relief, Ahnasha had returned, which meant she was safe, and had brought back their dinner for the next few days. "Ah, Ahnasha, welcome back. I am glad to see you unharmed, did you encounter any difficulties?" Meesei asked as she stepped into the room.

Ahnasha shook her head. "No, not unless you count the cold. I certainly would; the weather in these mountains is...horrifying, honestly. We complained about it on the way here, but I do think it is something to be worried about. I realized trudging through the snow that most of our pack wouldn't be prepared if we ended up stuck out there alone. Maybe Lorag would be fine, but the rest of us? After all of this is over, we should make sure to learn to survive up here, just in case."

Meesei nodded to Ahnasha. "I will attempt to remember that, but for now, I have...well, I hesitate to call it 'good' news, but it is progress. I believe I have a strong suspect, and am ready to continue questioning the lieutenants. I wish I did not need to ask for another favor, since you have been outside all day, but could you go and search for the lieutenants? They will likely want to hear that their food has arrived. I would like you to see if you can send Vera here first. I need to clarify some matters with her original statement."

"Of course...though I might start expecting a tip if this keeps up." Ahnasha responded with somewhat of a grin. Despite the seriousness of the situation, she liked to be able to keep up at least some good humor. It was something she had found herself struggling to do over the past few months, though only recently had she really noticed it. She had to admit, she had essentially been an errand girl for the day, but if it meant she was helping, she was glad to contribute. "I'll pick up taking care of Rhazii once I get back. Besides, I'm sure he has missed his mother." She added, giving a smile to her son before leaving the room.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei was a patient individual, but even she hoped the test would yield results sooner rather than later. The more quickly she had her answer, the more time she would have for her investigation. Regardless, she showed no outwards signs of anxiety, especially when around others besides Sabine. When she was not needed to give instruction to Sabine, she spent her time entertaining Rhazii, or meditating. The lessons with Sabine were productive, given how long they had to wait, but Sabine's most important job at the moment was to keep an eye on the test. Fortunately, their experiment finally gave the results they needed.

Meesei walked up beside Sabine and observed the flask as well. Since other scholars were still around, she kept her comments general. "Ah, that is quite interesting. It seems to take a while to activate, but then works very quickly. I do not know if any ingredients on Tamriel can create that effect. Perhaps it is possible with purely mundane ingredients, but this might suggest influence from Oblivion itself." She commented. Of course, the most important meaning she could derive from the test was that the poisoning must have taken place after the meeting, which greatly narrowed the scope of her investigation, but the origin of the poison was also of interest. If the poison did indeed come from Oblivion, then it would provide evidence that the traitor was connected to Vile, something they could only speculate on before. Hopefully, Sabine or the scholars would be able to determine if that was the case, but for now, Meesei could move on with her investigation.

---

Ahnasha was cold and annoyed, but at least she was back underground and away from the snow, apart from the amount still stuck to her fur. She was carrying as much food as her coin would buy, which fortunately she was still capable of carrying. She looked like she was carrying an entire campsite on her back, which did provoke some questions from the lookouts on the way in, but she was able to give the excuse that she was buying specialty supplies for the Champion. After all, they couldn't tell without looking in her bags that it was all food. Mostly, it was salted meats, with vegetables and some fruits. She had visited a few different vendors and purchased anything she thought would last a while.

Without taking any detour, Ahnasha headed straight for their room, which was unoccupied apart from Leaps. She let out a deep, relieved breath as soon as she was able to set down the bags she had the displeasure of carrying all the way up the mountain. However, she did not quite know what to do next. She supposed the others would want to know that the food had arrived, but she felt it would defeat the purpose of buying all of the food if she immediately left it unguarded. For the moment, she decided to wait in their room to see if anyone was going to come by, as well as getting some much needed rest.